First special train from Bhubaneswar leaves for New Delhi
BHUBANESWAR: First special train from Bhubaneswar has left for New Delhi with 916 passengers. It is the first special train after Indian Railways resumes passenger train operations from May 12 after halting the normal service for 52 days.
The scene of railway station today was completely different from the days before lockdown. Instead of entering railway station en masse, people were standing in a queue maintaining social distance. Passengers were screened before allowing them into the station premises. Passenger with confirmed tickets were allowed to enter into the station.
Railway protection force (RPF) personnel were doing the screening and checking one by one at the platform 1 side. Passengers were asked to enter into the station from Master Canteen side. They entered into the platform by wearing masks. The station has installed a foot operated hand sanitizer stand for use of the passengers and employees.
Passengers boarded the train one hour before the train departs the station. Railways has provided water bottle, toilet paper and soap for the passengers. The seat arrangements were done in a such way so that social distancing can be maintained among passengers.
Ram Shankar, 54, was stranded at Bhubaneswar due to lockdown. He was working in a pipeline project. “I tried to return home in Kanpur of UP on March 21, but my train on March 23 was cancelled. I had stayed here at my rented accommodation. My family is staying in Kanpur. Finally I got a ticket in the special train and I am going home,” he added.
Many people are returning home. Some Odia people whose children are staying in Delhi are also travelling in the train to meet their kids. The train left at 10am. Railway employees were seen clapping and cheering passengers while it was leaving the station. People were also waving at the railway staff with Thank You cards.
The train from New Delhi will leave the station at 5.05pm on Thursday and reach Bhubaneswar at 5.25pm on the very next day. Station staff are getting prepared to receive the passengers.